New Thomas Interview @ Athletic

[Army's Mom]

Should be free.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/745832 ... l-share-ta

While spending more time in St. Louis this summer, Thomas was able to meet face-to-face with team decision-makers, and both sides laid out their priorities.

The takeaway from those conversations was “we want to build something,” Thomas says. “I feel like such a big part of leadership in trying to build something special here, whether that’s now or in a couple years. That was a big part in it — ‘Do you see me a part of that, and how quickly do you think we can build things?’ We sat down in length on a lot of details that we found really important for ourselves and the team, and a lot of them matched. I would say we both agreed on a path moving forward.”

After more and more talks, Thomas said he found Steen “to be such a pulling force as to why I want to be here a long time, just knowing him as a person, what he believes in, and how much he cares about the city, the team. Those things are exactly what you want in a guy leading the charge.”

From the trade speculation to the new relationship dynamic, it was a difficult process, but perhaps it was necessary.

“I definitely think there needs to be alignment, there needs to be trust, and that’s something that was built, especially in the first half of the offseason,” Thomas says. “There were a lot of really good meetings and conversations that allowed people to know whether they’re all-in or questioning things. That’s really important for building a foundation.”

He is such a bargain. I don't care what we label him as, whether he meets the definition of "elite" or not, but I really appreciate his approach to taking this offseason to re-set a bit after all the trade speculation.

[Old_Goat]

Should be free.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/745832 ... l-share-ta

While spending more time in St. Louis this summer, Thomas was able to meet face-to-face with team decision-makers, and both sides laid out their priorities.

The takeaway from those conversations was “we want to build something,” Thomas says. “I feel like such a big part of leadership in trying to build something special here, whether that’s now or in a couple years. That was a big part in it — ‘Do you see me a part of that, and how quickly do you think we can build things?’ We sat down in length on a lot of details that we found really important for ourselves and the team, and a lot of them matched. I would say we both agreed on a path moving forward.”

After more and more talks, Thomas said he found Steen “to be such a pulling force as to why I want to be here a long time, just knowing him as a person, what he believes in, and how much he cares about the city, the team. Those things are exactly what you want in a guy leading the charge.”

From the trade speculation to the new relationship dynamic, it was a difficult process, but perhaps it was necessary.

“I definitely think there needs to be alignment, there needs to be trust, and that’s something that was built, especially in the first half of the offseason,” Thomas says. “There were a lot of really good meetings and conversations that allowed people to know whether they’re all-in or questioning things. That’s really important for building a foundation.”

He is such a bargain. I don't care what we label him as, whether he meets the definition of "elite" or not, but I really appreciate his approach to taking this offseason to re-set a bit after all the trade speculation.

Nice article. Thanks for posting.

[Frank Underwood]

If the Blues name a new captain, I don't think there is any doubt that it will be Thomas. I wasn't sure I liked that idea after they traded Schenn, but I'm totally fine with it now.

[callitwhatyouwant]

If the Blues name a new captain, I don't think there is any doubt that it will be Thomas. I wasn't sure I liked that idea after they traded Schenn, but I'm totally fine with it now.

It seems clear from the article that this is where that is going. He is the center piece of the program moving forward. He got his "tryout" at the end of last season to be the captain. I actually think moving on from Kyrou frees up Thomas because Thomas I think in a way felt responsible for Kyrou when things were or weren't going well for him. You would see it when they played together. It's almost like he forced him the puck instead of worrying about making the right play. When he plays with other guys, he seems to just play his game and they feed off of it. Kyrou was a burden, maybe not personality wise because it seemed like he had a good heart. But whatever that compete factor is, it impacted those who cared about him and I think it's just a good move for everyone. The guys here get a weight off their shoulders to be more themselves, and Kyrou gets to be another guy on a franchise and will probably explode because of it.

If I'm making a leadership group, Binner is part of it as he passes the torch, Thomas C, Neighbours A, Parayko A, I would give it to Hollywood for A, but it seems like there's a quiet presence they like about Broberg and it balances things out. Any of those guys I would be OK with so I assume its the first 3.

[ratonmono2]

Thomas is and was the only choice for the C. He's gonna retire with a lot of franchise records when it's all said and done.

[MikoTython]

Its a clear demonstration that he wanted to get it settled if he was to be in or out, long-term. That's a very intelligent and manly way to approach things. There is nothing to not like about this guy.

[Pierre McGuire]

Thomas is and was the only choice for the C. He's gonna retire with a lot of franchise records when it's all said and done.

Should be 3rd overall in Blues all time points heading into his 30 year old season in a few years and then he will start chipping away to pass Hull at #2. Still an outside shot that he could pass Federko up as well. All depends on how he holds up.

[WilliamWestcliffe]

I like Robert Thomas. I want him a part of this team and I think I even want him as captain. BUT he needs to produce AND be the catalyst for a successful team for more than half a season, more than 3/4s of a season.

At this point, this is his team. It's going to go only as far he's able to go (including health). He seems like he's bought into that. I hope he delivers.

[BleedingBleu]

Good stuff.

It’d be pretty interesting if two of our 3 Letterman were guys the Blues attempted to trade at the Deadline.

Anyway, I like what Bobby Tom has become. Now, we need to see how he earns the “C” this offseason by preparing the guys for battle and getting a good start out the Gates w/a “shorter” preseason.

I’m thinking Thomas (C), Parayko (A), & Broberg (A). You’ll have 2 guys out there eating +20 minutes and the whole dynamic setting the tone for strong 2-Way Play the whole Game.

[Army's Mom]

Its a clear demonstration that he wanted to get it settled if he was to be in or out, long-term. That's a very intelligent and manly way to approach things. There is nothing to not like about this guy.

Agreed. He wants to be a focal point and have that responsibility. When they name a new C, it should be him. With Parayko and some combination of Holloway/Neighbours as the A's.

[STL fan in MN]

Good stuff.

It’d be pretty interesting if two of our 3 Letterman were guys the Blues attempted to trade at the Deadline.

Anyway, I like what Bobby Tom has become. Now, we need to see how he earns the “C” this offseason by preparing the guys for battle and getting a good start out the Gates w/a “shorter” preseason.

I’m thinking Thomas (C), Parayko (A), & Broberg (A). You’ll have 2 guys out there eating +20 minutes and the whole dynamic setting the tone for strong 2-Way Play the whole Game.

This may be knit picking a bit but I don’t think it’s entirely accurate to say the Blues attempted to trade RT away. They inquired to see what other teams would offer but put a super high price on him. I think it was more to evaluate options and to light a fire under his butt and others butts more than an actual attempt or desire to trade him away.

Parayko though, they absolutely tried to trade away.

Regarding RT and this article though, I’m glad to hear he’s had numerous big boy discussions with Steen and that it seems everyone is on the same page now. Sounds like he wants to be here and a part of what the Blues are building, which is great. It could always be PR fluff but as of now, I will take it at face value.

I agree with others that RT should be the next captain. Maybe they wait a while and start the season with 4 guys rotating As but my guess is they name RT as Captain a bit before training camp. Peobably whenever he returns to STL after the month at his cabin referenced in the article. Would create a solid bit of buzz a week or two before training camp starts.

Thomas - C
Parayko - A
Broberg - A
Neighbours - A

That’s what I’d go with anyway although a team can only have 3 players wearing a letter each game so the 3 As can rotate. Binny and others can also be “leaders” as you don’t need a letter on your jersey to be a leader but Binny literally can’t wear an A or C. No goalie can.

[dhsux]

Pretty much cements what I was hoping for, and expecting, but it's great to hear it from Robert himself.

His appreciation for an attachment to the city is pretty cool too.

The mature Robert Thomas sounds ready to go as a leader.

[BleedingBleu]

Good stuff.

It’d be pretty interesting if two of our 3 Letterman were guys the Blues attempted to trade at the Deadline.

Anyway, I like what Bobby Tom has become. Now, we need to see how he earns the “C” this offseason by preparing the guys for battle and getting a good start out the Gates w/a “shorter” preseason.

I’m thinking Thomas (C), Parayko (A), & Broberg (A). You’ll have 2 guys out there eating +20 minutes and the whole dynamic setting the tone for strong 2-Way Play the whole Game.

This may be knit picking a bit but I don’t think it’s entirely accurate to say the Blues attempted to trade RT away. They inquired to see what other teams would offer but put a super high price on him. I think it was more to evaluate options and to light a fire under his butt and others butts more than an actual attempt or desire to trade him away.

Parayko though, they absolutely tried to trade away.

Regarding RT and this article though, I’m glad to hear he’s had numerous big boy discussions with Steen and that it seems everyone is on the same page now. Sounds like he wants to be here and a part of what the Blues are building, which is great. It could always be PR fluff but as of now, I will take it at face value.

I agree with others that RT should be the next captain. Maybe they wait a while and start the season with 4 guys rotating As but my guess is they name RT as Captain a bit before training camp. Peobably whenever he returns to STL after the month at his cabin referenced in the article. Would create a solid bit of buzz a week or two before training camp starts.

Thomas - C
Parayko - A
Broberg - A
Neighbours - A

That’s what I’d go with anyway although a team can only have 3 players wearing a letter each game so the 3 As can rotate. Binny and others can also be “leaders” as you don’t need a letter on your jersey to be a leader but Binny literally can’t wear an A or C. No goalie can.

It’s likely somewhere in the middle. After hearing no one was off the table, the obvious happen with someone (GM or Repirter for that matter) likely inquiring about Thomas, and Armstrong provided a seemingly insurmountable request.

Now, the asking price may not have been too different from his asking price for Kyrou that prior offseason. However, I thought that move likely soured the Blues relationship w/Kyrou’s camp. The exact opposite seemed to spark with RT.

Then of course there is the interpretation of what truly constitutes for an equivalent value of three Top 15 First Rounds picks? Could a GM average it out by slipping in a guy drafted in the later third of the First Round? When we were all playing with the concept, there was only 3-4 teams that could actually pay the toll. Would they have? I think the answer was a resounding “no.” The only problem was whether Doug was ever seriously entertaining the trade.

[imyourhuckleberry]

RT is primed for a huge season. If there is anyone in the league who doubts he is an elite 2-way center, they are about to become believers. This will be, by far, his best season to date.

[St. Charles Bronson]

Looking forward to seeing what Thomas and his line can do this year. He's not flashy, and he doesn't really dominate games the way some other "star players" do, but he's very skilled and seems to be maturing into a leadership role.

[dhsux]

Looking forward to seeing what Thomas and his line can do this year. He's not flashy, and he doesn't really dominate games the way some other "star players" do, but he's very skilled and seems to be maturing into a leadership role.

There is an element of fans around the league who know what he can bring.